Georgii Chentemirov

Hundreds of millions for war and its aftermath. The cost of the ‘special military operation’ for Russian northerners

Assistance to the “sponsored” republics, payments to the mobilized and their families and the purchase of housing for Ukrainian refugees make up an incomplete list of expenses incurred by Russian regions because of the war in Ukraine. The Barents Observer has calculated that the northern regions earmark hundreds of millions of rubles in their deficit budgets for the “special military operation”.
July 25, 2023

“Panic, people are depressed, life has collapsed.” Transgender people on "sex change" ban in Russia

On July 14, the State Duma of Russia adopted a law banning “sex change”. When it comes into force, medical professionals will be banned from any gender changing intervention. People will lose the ability to change documents according to their identity. Trans persons will be prohibited from taking custody of children, and if a spouse changes their gender, the marriage will be annulled. The Barents Observer talked to trans people about how they’re going to live from now on.
July 23, 2023

“Moscow will burn down, and we will throw more matches.” How Russians reacted to Prigozhin's coup

June 23 and 24 will be remembered in Russia as the days of a military mutiny and an attempt by the head of Wagner PMC Yevgeny Prigozhin to carry out a coup. Despite this, ordinary life went on in the regions, and concerts, graduation parties and other festivities were held in many cities. We talked with residents of the northern regions and found out what people were talking about during and after the mercenary army’s march towards Moscow.
June 29, 2023

Wagner Group continues recruiting in Murmansk

Despite Yevgeny Prigozhin's attempted coup, his mercenary group has not halted its efforts to draft men in Russian regions.
June 26, 2023

Asylum-seeking Wagner defector back in borderland

No war crimes against civilians, Andrei Medvedev claims: “No Wagner fighters allowed themselves to do something illegal. If this had happened, this man would be shot right on the spot.”
June 23, 2023

Mayor of Karelian capital Petrozavodsk signs up for war in Ukraine

Vladimir Lyubarsky intends to join a Chechen battalion known for its war crimes and extreme brutality in the onslaught on the neighbouring country.
June 19, 2023

“Opposition and emigration are two sets that do not intersect.” Interview with Viktor Vorobyov, Russia's first “foreign agent” lawmaker

Member of the Komi State Council Viktor Vorobyov is “jammed” in broadcasts of sessions, but voters still listen to his speeches. Vorobyov leads the Communist Party faction without being a member of the party; he does not support the war in Ukraine, although the party he represents in parliament is all in favor of it. Finally, Viktor Vorobyov is a “foreign agent” who, a year after being given this status, continues to work in the legislative body. The Barents Observer spoke to the anomalous lawmaker about public sentiment, fear and why it is important for a politician to stay at home.
June 13, 2023

Police in Murmansk detains 15-year old girl for wearing pin with Ukrainian colours

The teenager who has lost her father on the battlefield in Ukraine explained to police that she wants "peace in the world."
June 09, 2023

Fewer visas, more sanctions, more expensive insurance. How the border between Norway and Russia is closing

The number of Russians entering Norway is declining. And it will decrease further because of sanctions pressure and visa policy. Travel, which until recently was a routine thing for residents of border regions, will soon become a luxury inaccessible to most. The Barents Observer tried to figure out why.
June 07, 2023

Arkhangelsk student Olesya Krivtsova cut her electronic tracking bracelet and left Russia

A court ruling in January placed Olesya Krivtsova (20) under house arrest awaiting a trial that could give her 10 years in jail for sharing an anti-war post on social media.
March 16, 2023

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